5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big 5 Safari

Safari Overview

5-day classic safari that takes you deep into two of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries: Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This immersive adventure is designed for wildlife lovers and cultural enthusiasts seeking a truly authentic African experience. Witness the Big Five in their natural habitats, catch a glimpse of the spectacular annual wildebeest migration (seasonal), soar above the savannah in a hot air balloon, and engage with the vibrant local communities.

From sweeping grasslands teeming with wildlife to the dramatic landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, every day is a journey into the heart of nature’s raw beauty and Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage. With comfortable accommodations, expertly guided game drives, and optional adventure activities, this safari offers the perfect blend of excitement, comfort, and discovery.

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Tour Highlights

Explore the Legendary Serengeti National Park

Traverse the endless plains of Serengeti, home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration on earth. Spot lions lounging under acacia trees, herds of elephants traversing the savannah, cheetahs chasing prey, and hyenas lurking in the shadows. The park offers unrivaled opportunities to observe predators in action and herbivores in great numbers.

Witness the Big Five

The safari presents opportunities to encounter Africa’s Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. These majestic creatures are best spotted in the wild and our game drives are designed to increase your chances of memorable sightings.

Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

Descend into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—for an extraordinary safari experience. With over 25,000 large animals concentrated in the crater, including rare black rhinos, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area offers one of the best game viewing opportunities in Africa.

Cultural Encounters

Interact with the local Maasai and Mto wa Mbu communities. Learn traditional cooking techniques, enjoy local beer brewing sessions, participate in traditional dances, and gain insight into daily life and ancestral practices.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari

Elevate your Serengeti experience with an early morning hot air balloon ride, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the park’s wildlife and terrain. A champagne breakfast in the bush rounds out this magical experience (booked separately).

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Arusha to Serengeti National Park – Game Drive on Arrival

Your safari adventure begins in Arusha, where you’ll meet your professional driver-guide and receive a briefing about your upcoming journey. From here, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to Serengeti National Park, passing through the Great Rift Valley and picturesque highlands. Upon arrival, dive straight into a game drive across the endless plains, which offer the first glimpse of Africa’s renowned wildlife. The park is a stronghold for the Big Five and famous for its predator-prey drama. Later, settle in at Into Wild Tented Camp for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Days 2 & 3: Full Exploration of Serengeti National Park – Game Drives, Balloon Safari & Cultural Experience

Spend two full days soaking in the magic of the Serengeti. With early morning and late afternoon game drives, you’ll increase your chances of witnessing key wildlife moments—from lion hunts at dawn to elephants bathing in muddy pools. You may see wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas, kudus, leopards, cheetahs, and more.

For a unique perspective, opt for a hot air balloon safari at sunrise (optional). Glide silently over the plains as the sun rises, spotting wildlife from above—a truly unforgettable experience.
Later, delve into a cultural exchange with a nearby local community. Participate in activities like traditional dancing, storytelling, and sampling indigenous food and attire. Return each evening to Into Wild Tented Camp for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater – Half-Day Crater Game Drive

Enjoy a final morning game drive in Serengeti before journeying to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive itself is part of the experience, with wildlife sightings along the way. Upon arrival, descend into the iconic Ngorongoro Crater for a 5-hour game drive in this wildlife-rich haven.

The crater floor is home to a dense population of animals including black rhinos, elephants, hippos, elands, jackals, hyenas, and sometimes lions and cheetahs. The diverse habitats of the crater—from grasslands to forests to marshlands—provide a safe haven for a wide array of species. After the drive, ascend to the crater rim to enjoy panoramic views and take your final photos before transferring to Ngorongoro Coffee Lodge for the night.

Day 5: Cultural Experience at Mto wa Mbu – Return to Arusha

On your final day, make a cultural stopover at Mto wa Mbu village, a melting pot of Tanzania’s tribes. Here, you can engage in hands-on experiences such as banana beer brewing, local cooking classes, art and craft making, and learning about traditional farming methods.

Afterward, visit a Maasai Boma to learn about the traditions, warrior culture, and daily life of the Maasai people—renowned for their rich heritage and vibrant clothing.
Later, transfer back to Arusha or be dropped off at a location of your choice, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day safari adventure.

What's Included?

  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • All ground transfers and transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Park entry fees and game drives as per itinerary
  • Full-board accommodation (meals and lodging) throughout the safari
  • Drinking water during game drives
  • Cultural visits to local communities

What's not Included?

  • Tanzania tourist visa fees
  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities to driver-guides and lodge staff
  • Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon safari)
  • Alcoholic beverages, wines, and spirits
  • Souvenirs and personal expenses

More of Tanzania Tours

17 Day Kenya & Tanzania Classic Adventure
5 Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big 5 Safari
12-Day Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Hadza Tribe Cultural Experience
10 Day Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Classic Safari

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